I read 29 books in 2017. If you’re Thinking “wow she really does live at that coffe shop!” you're right. But you’re also looking at things from the wrong perspective. What you SHOULD be thinking is she “wow she’s learned a lot!” That’s right on train rides, lunch breaks, and cozy Saturday mornings I was taking in valuable information that I can't wait to share with you! Looking to jumpstart your 2018 with some practical advice? Check out these quick reads!
1. Walker Gems, April Walker
April Walker built a clothing company that became a lifestyle brand long before the term was widely recognized. Her intuition and hard work placed her at the forefront of hip-hop Fashion but it’s her vision and faith that allow her to thrive today. No matter what your field is you can learn from this living legend’s tactics.
2. Don't Dumb Down Your Greatness: A Young Entrepreneur's Guide to Thinking and Being Great, Anthony Frasier
The Four Agreements stresses the importance of not taking things personally. I’d be a boldfaced liar if I told you I was capable of doing that 24/7 but I will say that I’m getting better at it each day thanks to this book. Frasier's philosophy of continuing to be of service even when you feel overlooked and underappreciated has made a tremendous difference in my personal and professional interactions. Check it out and be reminded why it’s most important to do the right thing when nobody's watching.
3. The Engagement Game: Why I Said "I Don't" to Marriage and "I Do" to Me, Joi-Marie McKenzie
Looking to become the woman you need to be to snag the man of your dreams? Read this entertaining and powerful memoir to be reminded why putting yourself first is always a winning strategy.
4. Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It, Charlamagne Tha God
Polarizing title aside, this was an amazing read! As a long-term listener to the Brilliant Idiots I knew some of the stories told by the self-proclaimed “Prince of Pissing People Off” but that didn’t stop me from being unable to put down this page turner. The story of how Charlamagne went from a dirt road in South Carolina to the city that never sleeps is inspiring but it’s what he learned along the way that will stick with you.
5. The Bomb Life: My Brand. My Terms., Claire Sulmers
FashionBombDaily.com is arguably one of the most important fashion websites in the world, but it wasn’t always. Before Claire Sulmers became all of our #goals she was a girl trying to convince the world she had more than one pair of Guess jeans. This memoir is shockingly transparent. Sulmers sheds all her polish to give her supporters real truths about her journey from Fashion Week crasher to certified star. It’s a must read!
6. Around the Way Girl, Taraji P. Henson
Think your life is tough? Try studying to be an actress while seven months pregnant and moving to LA on your own with a baby on your hip. If this story doesn’t motivate you to stop making excuses nothing will!
7. You Are a Badass,Taraji P. Henson
I know, I know, you’ve seen this book on the well curated instagram page and snapchat of every blogger you follow. I'm here to tell you it's for a reason. It's a must read that forces you to be honest with yourself about whether you're doing enough to pursue your goals. This book is particularly great if you're not big on religion because it's less about symbols and more about the spirit of choice. That's something everyone should be able to get behind. Learn more about her philosophies from the Dreams in Drive podcast.
Honorable Mention:
The Art of Dressing Curves: The Best-Kept Secrets of a Fashion Stylist, Susan Moses ....because when you get where you’re going you’ll need to be dressed for the occasion.
